by Charles Metcalfe
The historic domination of French wine in the British market has been further eroded by a strong performance from the big California brands over the summer. In the 16 week period to August 26, sales of wine from the USA rose to elbow France into third place, with Australia still ahead of both. American sales figures were boosted by brands such Blossom Hill and Gallo - and particularly the sales of rosés. Sales of Gallo`s Sierra Valley White Zinfandel rocketed by 56.3% over the summer, to make it Britain`'s third best-selling rosé. Gallo`s Sierra Valley White Grenache still occupies the top spot.
John McLaren, the Wine Institute of California\'s man in London, is pleased by the success of other brands as well: I`'m glad to see brands at higher price levels getting new listings, he said, and mentioned Ravenswood, Mondavi, Fetzer, Ironstone and Cycles Gladiator, retailing at between £7 and £9. McLaren observed that it was good to see the USA overhauling France in the summer period, but that he was waiting for a win over a full year before celebrating. We`re only 40,000 cases behind , he noted and that`s nothing over a full year. At the current rate of increase, McLaren is hoping the USA will pull ahead of France some time in the spring of 2007.
